De Preville scores as struggling Bordeaux upsets Nantes 1-0
PARIS (AP) Firing coach Jocelyn Gourvennec had an immediate impact on Bordeaux, which moved five points away from the relegation zone with a 1-0 win at Nantes in the French league on Saturday.
Under caretaker coach Eric Bedouet, who was put in temporary charge on Thursday following Gourvennec's departure, Bordeaux had the best chances in a display of attacking football.
The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute when Nicolas De Preville cut behind a defender in the area to connect with a precise cross from Youssouf Sabaly and plant a firm header past goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.
De Preville came close to adding a second goal soon after the break but his shot ended inches wide after combining well with Malcolm. The Brazilian striker delivered an inspired performance throughout and had a good chance denied in the 53rd as Tatarusanu palmed away a left-foot shot that seemed headed for the top corner.
The Romanian 'keeper was decisive again in the 72nd to stop yet another effort from Malcolm.
Nantes looked disorganized and created only a few dangerous moves. The most notable came in stoppage time after a mix-up in the Bordeaux area that ended with a header from Emiliano Sala over the bar.
The hosts remained in fifth place despite two losses in its last three league matches.
Gourvennec was fired following a string of poor results and a home loss to Caen that left Bordeaux just two points above the relegation zone. Gourvennec had led Bordeaux to a sixth-placed finish last season. Bordeaux is expected to announce a new permanent coach on Sunday.
